In Car Heat Stroke: Warning, Danger Will Robinson

It seems almost as silly as this 1967 television show does now…about being Lost In Space…the need to remind parents about not leaving their kids in hot, non-air conditioned cars. But not really.

Twenty-three (23) children have already died this year (2013) from being forgotten in a hot, closed up car on a Summer day. It’s sickening and heartbreaking to even think of…without even personally knowing anyone involved in such a case. But think of how the parent with the weight of the world on their shoulders might feel who has a mere 20 minute lapse in attention.

Even when the windows are partially open, a parked vehicle can reach 125 degrees in 20 minutes. “Children are especially vulnerable to heat stroke, as their body temperatures rise three to five times faster than an adult’s.” One child dies every 10 days from this tragic scenario. “It can happen to anybody, even the most loving and attentive parents.” said Janette Fennell, founder and president of KidsAndCars.org, in a statement kicking off this awareness campaign in conjuction with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration last week.

Just the Facts: Being trapped in a hot car is the leading cause of non-crash vehicle fatalities for children 14 and younger.